Horegallu
-
Sudha Murty
Detailed Summary
"Horegallu" is an anecdote by Sudha
Murthy. It is taken from The
Old Man and His God : Discovering the Spirit of India. In summer days, the narrator thinks about her
childhood days which she has spent in a village. In that village, there was a
huge banyan tree which provided shelter and comfort for the passersby. For
providing comfort to the passersby, there was a "horegallu" under
that banyan tree. "Horegallu" literally means 'a stone that can bear
weight'. That "horegallu" acted as a stone bench where travellers
sat, talked with one another and shared the news of the road. Near the
"horegallu", there was an earthen pot which provided "cool"
water for the travellers.
"Horegallu"
reminded her of her grandfather who used to sit under that banyan tree. He was
a retired school teacher. He spoke and listened to the villagers' conversations
about their "burdens". Here "burdens" symbolically referred
to the daily life, worries and trivial matters like the weather. These
villagers affectionately called him, "Masterji". Once they shared
their "burdens" with the grandfather, they got relief and
refreshment. With a happy and contented face, these villagers continued their
journey with their "burdens".
Since
the narrator was a small girl, she did not understand why he listened to their
"burdens". Her grandfather tells her that "horegallu" is
vital in everyone's life because everyone has "burdens". It will be
good if people share their "burdens" with others. By sharing, they
will get refreshment. He adds, ". . . It ("Horegallu") helps
people regain their strength".
Years
had passed. The narrator was working in a company where she had a colleague
named Ratna. Ratna reminded her of her grandfather. Both of them acted as
"human horegallus". Ratna was a senior clerk, middle-aged and
"always smiling". She was a graduate. She had been working in the
company for nearly twenty-five years. She was a compassionate woman. She
patiently listened to the "problems" of others. She had an
"infectious cheerfulness" with which she had given happiness to her
colleagues.
During
the lunch hour, Ratna listened to the "problems" of each person. One
day, the narrator asked how she could solve the "problems" of others.
She replied that she only listened to their "problems". She could not
solve anyone's problems. They had to face and overcome their problems by
themselves. By listening to their "troubles" with "sympathy"
and "without any judgement", Ratna gave them solace and refreshment.
Thus she helped them to lighten their burdens.
The
narrator asked her whether Ratna broke these people's trust by sharing their
"troubles" to others. Appallingly, she replied that she never thought
such a heinous act. For her, it was a "greater" sin. She also added
that only when people had confidence in her, they shared their worries. This
selfless act gave them relief "for a short while" and positive energy.
According to the narrator,
her grandfather and Ratna were doing selfless help and social service. They
were not doing it for getting appreciation or reward. Instead, they got
"joy" when they became "human horegallus". Thus
"horegallu" symbolically meant an active listener who listened to the
problems and worries of others with sympathy, patience and "without any
judgement". This active listener should be a positive person who must have
a positive outlook on life. Then only they could lighten others'
"burdens" and give refreshment. The narrator yearned that people
should get such "human horegallus" so that everyone would get a
chance to lighten their "burdens".
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